Portable shear

Abstract

A portable shear comprises at least two shear blades. The shear blades are in close proximity with one another, and each shear blade has a cut-out. A force apparatus applies a force to at least one of two blades such that the blades move relative to each other. In a first position the cut-outs of each blade are substantially aligned such that a workpiece having a cross-section substantially identical to a portion of the cut-out can rest simultaneously within the cut-outs of each blade. In a second position the cut-outs of each blade are not substantially aligned such that a workpiece can be split when the blades move from the first position to the second position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] Shears utilizing hydraulic pressure for cutting various materials are known. This invention relates to an apparatus for shearing workpieces such as unistrut or garage door track. The need arises at construction sites for cutting unistrut or garage door tracks so they can be fitted into a smaller space and / or joining them end to end in other applications. Conventionally, rotary cutters or cutting presses were employed to this end. Such conventional machines were mostly not portable but were permanently installed. In addition these methods often expose the craftsman to harm as a finger or hand can get cut under a rotary cutter. When on the construction site, hand-held rotary cutters expose the craftsman to heightened injury as the hand-held cutters can slip off the workpiece. [0002] An objection to the prior art cutting machines is that the machines are so bulky and heavy, that they could not be transported to construction sites without difficulty. S...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a portable shear with two blades that can be moved relative to each other using a force apparatus. The blades can be in close proximity to each other and may have cut-outs that align with the shape of a workpiece. The shear can be used to cut or split workpieces with open geometry. The force apparatus may be a hydraulic cylinder and a biasing member may be used to move the blades back to their original position. The shear may have a handle that is stabilized by engaging with the frame. The shear can be carried by one person and is under a certain weight limit. The blades may be made of metal or hardened metal. The technical effects of the invention include a portable shear with two blades that can be moved relative to each other, a force apparatus for applying force to the blades, and a handle for stabilization."

Problems solved by technology

Such conventional machines were mostly not portable but were permanently installed.

In addition these methods often expose the craftsman to harm as a finger or hand can get cut under a rotary cutter.

When on the construction site, hand-held rotary cutters expose the craftsman to heightened injury as the hand-held cutters can slip off the workpiece.

An objection to the prior art cutting machines is that the machines are so bulky and heavy, that they could not be transported to construction sites without difficulty.

Some of the cutting presses are additionally objectionable because they cut by punching, not by shearing, so that the punchings created are wasted.

These objections are based in the loss of time, the heightened potential for injury, and the waste material due to the prior art cutting.

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